Simulated leaded stained glass

ABSTRACT

The decorative panel includes a molded plastic frame having a plurality of closed loops of different configurations. Decorative glass panels are snap-fitted into the closed loops and have a configuration corresponding to the shape of the closed loop. The glass panels may be ribbed, dimpled, and are of different colors whereby the panel simulates leaded stained glass or Tiffany glass objects.

United States Patent Campbell [151 3,655,493 1 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] SIMULATED LEADED STAINED GLASS [7 2] lnventor: Jay E. Campbell, Upper Black Eddy, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Fairview-Development Service, Inc.,

Forked River, NJ.

[22] Filed: Mar. 4, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 16,512

[52] US. Cl ..l6l/5,161/20,161/37, 161/44, 161/116, 161/138 [51] lntJCl. ..B44f1/00 [58] Field of Search ..220/60 R; 206/4534; 35/65;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,382,134 5/1968 Powell ..161/5 l-lerdering ..220/60 X Primary Examiner-John T. Goolkasian Assistant Examiner-Henry F. Epstein Attorney-Seidel, Gonda & Goldhammer [57] ABSTRACT The decorative panel includes a molded plastic frame having a plurality of closed loops of different configurations. Decorative glass panels are snap-fitted into the closed loops and have a configuration corresponding to the shape of the closed loop.

The glass panels may be ribbed, dimpled, and are of different colors whereby the panel simulates leaded stained glass or Tiffany glass objects.

7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 11 m2 3,655,493

HVI/ENTOR JAY E. CAMPBELL SIMULATED LEADED STAINED GLASS The present invention is directed to a decorative panel, and more particularly, to a decorative panel which can be made from a hobby craft kit. The kit includes a plastic molded frame having the configuration of an object. For purposes of illustration, the object is in the form of a duck. The configuration and nature of the object will vary substantially and can simulate substantially any known object.

The components of the kit are capable of being assembled without any adhesives, glue, mechanical fasteners, etc. The kit includes as components a frame having a plurality of closed loops of different configurations. Matching glass panels are provided so that a glass panel has a configuration corresponding to the shape of each closed loop. The glass panels may be ribbed, dimpled, and are generally of different colors. As used herein, the word glass is to be given a broad scope so as to encompass transparent, translucent vitreous materials, including plastic materials which simulate glass or vitreous materials. When the components of the kit have been assembled into a decorative panel, the same may be used for decorative purposes and will simulate leaded stained glass or Tiffany glass objects.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel decorative panel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel decorative panel which can be assembled without the use of glue, adhesive, or separate mechanical fasteners.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hobby craft kit for assembling a decorative panel in a manner which is simple, inexpensive and reliable without the use of tools.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a decorative panel in accordance with the present invention simulating a duck.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the panel shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a decorative panel in accordance with the present invention designated generally as 10. The decorative panel simulates a duck. This is for purposes of illustration. The decorative panel may assume a wide variety of configurations of known objects including birds, animals, fish, trees, vehicles, etc.

The decorative panel 10 includes a molded plastic frame 12 which defines the peripheral configuration of the object being simulated. In FIG. 1, the object simulated is a duck. The frame 12 is provided with a plurality of interconnected ribs which define closed loops representative of portions of the object. Glass panels 14-42 are provided. Each of the glass panels has 'a peripheral configuration corresponding to one of the closed loops defined by the ribs of the frame 12. Some of the panels, such as panel 42, are provided with ribs 44 simulating a portion of the duck. Other panels, such as panel 26, are provided with ribs and/or dimples 46 which simulate stippling or a portion of the object being simulated.

While a numeral has not been applied to each and every glass panel in FIG. 1, it is believed that a sufficient number have been identified so as to clearly distinguish between the frame and the glass panels. Each of the glass panels is snapped into locking engagement with the frame 12 by means of lugs. Lugs such as 48 and 50 are randomly provided on the inner periphery of each of the frame loops. At least two sets of lugs 48 and two sets of lugs 50 are provided on each loop. The lugs project inwardly from the surface of the frame 12 by a distance of approximately 0.020 inches and have a width of between 0.06 and 0.125 inches. The lugs are integral with the frame. Due to the small size of the lugs 48 and 50, they do not ap earin'FIG. 1.

he components of the decorative panel 10 may be sold as a kit. The glass panels are snapped into a locking position without the use of adhesive, mechanical fasteners, tools, etc. In order to assemble the glass panels, they are merely positioned over the corresponding closed loop of the frame and pressed downwardly by finger pressure. As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the lugs 48 and 50 are peripherally displaced with respect to each other and are vertically spaced from each other so as to permit the thickness of the glass panels to be accommodated therebetween.

The glass panels may be transparent or translucent vitreous materials or plastic materials. The glass panels are preferably of different colors and made from a translucent plastic material such as methyl methacrylate sold commercially under the trademark Lucite. The frame 12 may be made from a wide variety of plastic materials but is preferably a thermosetting material such as phenol formaldehyde sold commercially under the trademark Bakelite.

The decorative panel 10 may be provided with a hanger so that it may be hung on the wall or within window frames in the home or in business establishments. When the decorative panel 10 is subjected to a light source positioned behind it, it will simulate stained glass or Tiffany glass objects. The entire frame is preferably colored dark gray or black so as to clearly delineate the periphery of the object. However, the frame 12 may be made in other colors as desired.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as in .dicating the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A decorative panel simulating lead stained glass or Tiffany glass objects comprising a plastic frame defining the periphery of an object, said frame having interconnecting ribs defining closed loops in said periphery, a discrete panel which is at least translucent disposed within each of the closed loops and having a periphery corresponding to the configuration of the closed loops, said frame and ribs having locking means for locking the panels in place, said locking means including discrete pairs of lugs, each lug being integral and one piece with one of the frame and ribs, one lug of each pair engaging the top surface of a panel with the other lug of its respective pair engaging the bottom surface of the panel.

2. A panel in accordance with claim 1 wherein each lug of each pair being peripherally displaced with respect to its mating lug.

3. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 2 wherein said lugs are triangular in transverse cross section.

4. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 1 wherein the panels are colored translucent plastic.

'5. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 4 wherein some of said panels have integral ribs extending inwardly from their periphery.

6. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 4 wherein some of said panels have dimples on their top surface.

7. A decorative panel comprising a plastic frame defining the periphery of an object, said frame having interconnecting ribs defining closed loops within said periphery and designating distinguishable portions of an object, translucent plastic panels thinner than said frame ribs, each panel having a peripheral configuration corresponding to one of the closed loops, integral means on said frame for locking each panel within one of said loops, said integral means including sets of peripherally displaced lugs on the inner periphery of each loop, the lugs of each set being positioned for engagement with opposite surfaces on one of said panels. 

2. A panel in accordance with claim 1 wherein each lug of each pair being peripherally displaced with respect to its mating lug.
 3. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 2 wherein said lugs are trIangular in transverse cross section.
 4. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 1 wherein the panels are colored translucent plastic.
 5. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 4 wherein some of said panels have integral ribs extending inwardly from their periphery.
 6. A decorative panel in accordance with claim 4 wherein some of said panels have dimples on their top surface.
 7. A decorative panel comprising a plastic frame defining the periphery of an object, said frame having interconnecting ribs defining closed loops within said periphery and designating distinguishable portions of an object, translucent plastic panels thinner than said frame ribs, each panel having a peripheral configuration corresponding to one of the closed loops, integral means on said frame for locking each panel within one of said loops, said integral means including sets of peripherally displaced lugs on the inner periphery of each loop, the lugs of each set being positioned for engagement with opposite surfaces on one of said panels. 